Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
9/7/2023
C H O F Ministry Scripture for Today: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26, CSB)
Today's devotion challenges the worldly perception of ambition, urging us to seek not just upward mobility but inward transformation. Success isn't merely about soaring high but about the lasting imprint you leave
📖 Three Spiritual Applications:

1. Understanding Over Elevation:

• Scripture: "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them" (Proverbs 4:5, CSB).
• Insight: The Bible places high value on wisdom and understanding. These qualities help us navigate not just the highways of success but the alleys of failure and uncertainty.
  2. Contribution Over Accolades:
• Scripture: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10, CSB).
• Insight: True achievement isn't measured by the trophies on our shelves but by the love and service we offer to others.
  3. Character Over Charisma:
• Scripture: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7, CSB).
• Insight: In a world that prioritizes charisma, being compelling starts with being Christ-like.
  🌱 Two Real World Applications:

1. Depth of Soul: Evaluate your ambitions. Are they self-serving or soul-serving? Redirect your focus toward activities that enrich not just your life but others' lives too.
2. Footprints that Last: Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. Make conscious choices that honor not just your journey but the people who walk the path beside you.
   A Note From Bishop Houston 👑: As you strive to achieve your dreams, pause and ponder: Are you climbing the ladder or digging wells? Are you reaching for the skies at the expense of your roots? Aspire to leave footprints of faith that last long after your journey here is done.
   🙏Final Thoughts:
   Ambition isn't inherently bad, but the lens through which we view it can either draw us closer to God or push us away. The Biblical lens challenges us to redefine success by the impact we make, not just the heights we reach.
   
   Let Us Go into The Throne Room of Grace and Mercy.
   
   Heavenly Father, guide us as we navigate our ambitions. May our aspirations never overshadow our call to serve You and love others. To God Be the Glory.